The Honorable John Thurlow Lilly, once a member of the South Carolina Legislature died on April 8th, 1893, at his Scranton residence on West Lackawanna Avenue from consumption. He was 44 years old but many thought he was 10 years older.
John Lilly spent his childhood in Chester, South Carolina, later in life he became a member of the state constabulary. During the Reconstruction Period he represented his district in the Legislature. He moved to Scranton to engage in the Dray Business, he became so successful he continued to open more businesses in the city among them the American Hotel on West Lackawanna Avenue.
During his 16 year residency in Scranton, Mr. Lilly made many influential friends in the business world. He was a born leader among African American men and his opinions were eagerly sought after and his advice taken by his race in the city. He had a strong political following.
It has been said that a dark cloud seemed to hover over him later in life by the refusal of the County to grant a license to the American Hotel because of the alleged disorderly character of the place. This incident served to create a wrong impression of his character that stayed with him until the day he died.
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